Is urology worth it?

[HughJaasMED]

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Currently a PGY2 getting absolutely wrecked on home call. I know it gets better as an attending but is it worth it? Doesn’t look like compensation is all that when you compare to specialties like anesthesia or radiology who on average get more vacation and have better hours.

 

[CopaceticOne]

Currently a PGY2 getting absolutely wrecked on home call. I know it gets better as an attending but is it worth it? Doesn’t look like compensation is all that when you compare to specialties like anesthesia or radiology who on average get more vacation and have better hours.

Ha! Anesthesia hours aren’t necessarily better. Remember they are on the hook for ALL specialities that need their services. Also, CRNAs in their quest to be independent combined with corporations pushing increased supervision ratios all the while insurance companies are pushing for lower reimbursement rates.

You are seeing the temporary boom right now because the speciality is TikTok popular. Urology is a good field - stick with it.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

FP here but friends with a urologist so I will comment on what I've noticed.

Hospital employed (making more than when he was in PP). Mid-levels handle first calls, he only goes in if someone needs a procedure.

No clue what he makes, but his wife doesn't work, both kids are in private school, just bought a 1.3 mil house. 2-3 international vacations per year.

 

[DoctwoB]

Currently a PGY2 getting absolutely wrecked on home call. I know it gets better as an attending but is it worth it? Doesn’t look like compensation is all that when you compare to specialties like anesthesia or radiology who on average get more vacation and have better hours.

Residency call was brutal. But IMO Urology is one of the best fields in medicine, both in the day to day practice, as the mix of OR, clinic, and clinic procedures really makes life more enjoyable then doing one thing over and over like in rads, but also in pay/lifestyle. Anesthesia lifestyle is actually pretty rough in a lot of places, there hours/day isn't terrible but they are constantly taking call, covering OB, etc.

Some things are regional, but as an attending in my area, some urologists don't take hospital call. Others are happy to do so as it pays $$$. I take call 1 week in 5, maybe go in a couple times during that week and am well compensated for it.

I was joking with some friends about how much you would have to pay our local urologists to cover the call we covered in residency (5 hospitals). I think we ended up around 7-8k/night.

 

[cpants]

Yea, resident call is awful. You are first call at a big academic hospital.

As an attending you will either be at a smaller hospital and the call won't be that busy or at a bigger place you will have residents/APP's as first call and you will only have to deal with stuff they can't handle or patients who need surgery.

Anesthesia or radiology would be two of my last choices. Anesthesia lifestyle not great and CRNA's are encroaching big time. Radiology one of most vulnerable fields for AI to reduce earning potential.

My call is 1:7 and hospitalists admit everything that comes in through the ER. Rare to even get a phone call from the hospital overnight while on call.